A Wollongong resident can form the 'singles bubble' for a Shellharbour resident - but the reverse is not allowed.
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The separation of the two cities under the public health order has led to more confusion, this time for single people living alone.
The public health order states that an individual can become the nominated visitor for a single person if they also live in the stay at home area.
However, the order also states that being a nominated visitor is not a reasonable excuse to enter the Greater Sydney area.
Under the order, Wollongong is still classed as Greater Sydney, while Shellharbour is now part of regional NSW.
The complication is further compounded by the NSW government's own website, which states a person under the stay at home order in regional NSW cannot have a nominated visitor from outside their local government area; however, it says a person in Greater Sydney can have a nominated visitor from anywhere else in Greater Sydney, aside from the LGAs of concern.
The Illawarra Mercury approached NSW Health for clarification on the matter.
"A person in Wollongong can be the nominated visitor of someone in Shellharbour," a NSW Health spokesperson said.
"However, a person from Shellharbour cannot enter Wollongong to be a nominated visitor.
"People need a reasonable excuse to enter Greater Sydney, which includes Wollongong, and being a nominated visitor is not one of them."
Wollongong MP Paul Scully has written to Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Health Minister Brad Hazzard, highlighting the issue and the difficulties it could pose.
"It seems ridiculous that someone living in Windang is not able to have a 'singles bubble' with a friend of family member who lives only on the other side of Windang Bridge, yet that same Windang resident can shop, exercise, or engage in outdoor recreation up to 5 kilometres from their residence into the Shellharbour LGA," Mr Scully wrote.
"It is easy to say "just nominate another person" but this may not be an option that is available to many given the family and social connections."
Mr Scully asked for the anomaly to be addressed.
When asked about the issue on Wednesday, Mr Barilaro said he would look into it.
"I'll have a look if there's an ability to make an exemption or some flexibility within the rules," he said.
A single adult can have a nominated visitor if they live with no other adults.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
